Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love be with you in the name of the Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our Advent theme this year focuses us on the presence of God who offers tremendous gifts of hope, peace, joy and love each day. These gifts are important as we move through this pandemic. At a time when the world and our lives seem far removed from hope and devoid of joy, God’s abiding Word continues to speak to us offering these gifts.
As this year draws to a close we reflect on how monumentally different and difficult it has been. Daily routines have been disrupted. Significant life events including graduations, weddings, family reunions, and funerals have been altered. Here are Christ Lutheran our weekly worship has moved to online and outdoor options. Siblings in Christ are viewed as potential spreaders of Covid -19 and thus remain socially distanced. Fellowship opportunities are limited and service opportunities have been curtailed in 2020.
Nevertheless throughout 2020 we have witnessed resilience. Members and friends of the congregation have worked to participate and create new education ministries. Volunteers have shown up to pack backpacks of food for needy families. Choir members and other musicians have enhanced our online and in-person outdoor worship services by their offering of time and talent. Task forces have formed to address the Covid -19 pandemic, upgrade our audio and livestreaming capabilities, and address racial justice and anti-racism work. Our committees and the council have worked to maintain ministries and inaugurate new initiatives.
As we come to the end of 2020, we all recognize how challenging a year it has been and continues to be. I am grateful for the contributions of time, talent and financial support from the congregation to sustain Christ Lutheran’s ministry. God is at work bringing hope, joy, peace and love into our lives and many others in our community and around the world.
As we approach the end of the year, I invite you to support the congregation’s efforts to offer a free virtual preschool program for families in our community. While we are not gathering yet indoors, we are planning for a robust online and outdoor Advent season including participating in the town’s Season of Wishes along with First Friday on December 4. Many in our community are in need of God’s message of hope, peace, joy and love.
The offerings of your energy, ideas, and time are essential as our congregation seeks to share this refreshing and renewing love, hope, and joy of God with others. Contact the church office or one of the pastoral staff to get involved and volunteer.
As the year comes to a close your financial gifts help ensure the continuation of our many ministries including the ones I mentioned above. Please remember Christ Lutheran Church in your year-end charitable giving. You can make a secure gift online at www.christgettysburg.org and click on the Give button. You can mail you donation to the church or drop it off during office hours, Monday-Thursday 8-4 p.m.
Also join us on December 1st for Giving Tuesday (See details below). And as we move forward into 2021 filled with the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ, please remember to prayerfully consider how you can support Christ Lutheran Church next year and complete an online commitment form or contact the church office to have one sent to you. Thank you for your generosity and attention to the many ministries we do together in the name of Jesus Christ.
May you and yours have a blessed Advent, a merry Christmastide, and healthy, joyous New Year!
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Stephen Herr
Help to Hope! Give with Joy! Share the Love!
The Covid – 19 pandemic has left many disconnected from one another and from their community of faith. The number of our neighbors dealing with food insecurity has grown. Health, economic, and wellness challenges abound. Here at Christ Lutheran Gettysburg we are committed to addressing these needs in our congregation, community, and around the world. Join us as we provide food for the hungry, work to keep all God’s people connected to their faith, and share God’s refreshing love with the world.
On December 1, 2020, Giving Tuesday, we come together to support each other and share the hope and love of God. Our support of food and caring ministries like Ruth’s Harvest, Gettysburg CARES, and Franklin Friends offers hope. We are developing new ways to safely connect our community. Your joy filled gifts make these ministries possible! Visit our website www.christgettysburg.org and our Facebook page to learn more and make a difference.
Together we give with joy! Together we help to offer hope! Together we share God’s love!
Help us meet our $5000 goal for Giving Tuesday! Thank you for your commitment and support of Christ Lutheran Gettysburg.